There is deep sadness in Laois this week following the passing of David Mulhare.
David, from Sheffield Cross in Portlaoise, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26.
Survived by his wife Margaret, David is the father of Cathy, Dan, Michael, Maggie, Mary and David.
A builder by trade, David achieved national fame in 2015 when he, alongside members of his family, reached the final of TV show Ireland’s Fittest Family.
An athletic family, daughter Mary has achieved international success as she has won team bronze and silver medals at the European Cross Country Championships with Ireland.
While on Michael won a gold medal in the European U-23 cross-country championships in 2010.
Portlaoise Athletics Club, of which David was a prominent member, paid tribute to him.
They said: “Portlaoise Athletic Club would like to send our deepest sympathies to his wife Margaret and children Margaret, Dan, Michael, Cathy, David, and Mary and all the extended family.
“The club owes him a debt of gratitude for his significant contribution to the club and his unwavering support down through the years.
“The love of athletics he obviously imbued in his children bringing County, Leinster, National and International honours to Portlaoise Athletic Club.”
David was also a passionate GAA man with Park-Ratheniska, Stradbally and Clonad GAA clubs paying tribute to him.
Back in 2007, David was part of the Park-Ratheniska Ladies team that won their first ever Intermediate final.
They said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of David Mulhare.
“David had a big influence in our Ladies Football Club for a long number of years, helping out and coaching a multitude of teams, culminating in being part of the management team who took the Ladies to Senior Football for the very first time in 2007.
“David was always happy to get stuck in and was a great help when we were building our clubhouse, and his contributions will never be forgotten in the club.”
David played himself for Stradbally where he won championships at both adult and juvenile level.
They said: “David was a proud former Stradbally player who won both juvenile and adult championships during his playing career.
“He will be fondly remembered by all in the club.”
David’s sons played for Clonad while he also played a crucial role in the development of their clubhouse.
A spokesperson for Clonad said: “We in Clonad are very sad to hear of the passing of our great friend and supporter, Dave Mulhare.
“Dave was a wonderful help to the club when we were building our club house and continuously supported the club through the years, training teams and proudly watching his sons Dan, Michael and David, as they lined out in the Clonad jersey.
“A true gentleman, his passing is a huge loss and our thoughts and prayers are with the Mulhare and Norton families at this sad time.”
David also had a keen interest in soccer and was a proud member of the Laois Leeds Supporter’s Club.
Colm O’Hara, one of the main members of the club, also paid tribute to the late David.
He said: “Last night we lost one of our members David Mulhare, but David was also a friend to so many of us in the club and we really are going to miss him.
“He had a very tough last few years but always had a smile on his face and never gave in.”
David is the cherished grandfather to Millie, Ollie, Ada, Charlotte and Isabelle. He is predeceased by his parents Michael and Kathleen and brothers Michael and Brendan and sisters Nina and Breda.
David is deeply regretted by his mother in law Margaret Norton, his brother Joe, his sisters Toni, Margaret and Elizabeth.
Also by daughters in law Ashling, Louise, Jen and partners including Enda. Brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephew, relatives, neighbours and friends. And all his friends and colleagues in the Construction industry.
David will be reposing at his family home on Friday from 3pm until 8pm, with rosary at 7.30pm.
His removal will take place on Saturday morning to arrive at SS Peter and Paul’s Church for 12 noon requiem mass.
Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise. House private on Saturday morning please.
The Mulhare family wish to express their profound gratitude to the staff of Tullamore Regional hospital for their professionalism and kindness during David illness.
May he Rest in Peace.
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